Details
The relocation of Generali’s headquarters was a move of both physical and symbolic significance. Transitioning from the business district of Mokotów to a historic building near Warsaw's Old Town, the Italian insurer required a space that honoured its heritage while embracing the future. We transformed a chaotic, cold structure into a warm, "anthropocentric" ecosystem. By revitalising this massive historic object, we created a modern Agora that fosters relationships, mentoring, and hybrid collaboration.
13,5k
Square meters of area
18
Months of work
1
A strategic relocation
The project involved relocating Generali's central operations from a standard office building in Mokotów to a characteristic, historic object in the very centre of Warsaw, adjacent to the Old Town. This move presented a unique set of challenges. The building at Senatorska 18 is a landmark, meaning the renovation required navigating strict conservation guidelines.
Revitalizing the core
The existing interior was "chaotic and cold," with a fit-out that failed to encourage employees to spend time there. Our task was a full revitalisation of everything occurring inside the shell, including a complete overhaul of the lobby. The goal was to restore aesthetic coherence and turn a daunting, spacious structure into a welcoming environment that supports the new reality of work.
2
Italian heritage
Drawing on the client's Italian roots, the design theme is modelled after a Renaissance city. We focused on the legacy of that era: harmony, proportion, and the balance between nature and man. The office is not just a workplace but a "Modern Agora"—a central showcase designed to facilitate creative work and social exchange.
St. Mark’s Square in Warsaw
The scale of this revitalisation was immense. The project covered nearly 13,500 sqm (145,300 sq ft) spread over seven floors. To put this in perspective, the area we designed is roughly the size of St. Mark’s Square in Venice. Managing such a vast space required a distinct strategy to ensure it didn't feel empty or overwhelming, but rather intimate and connected.
3
A new heart
The most dramatic transformation took place in the atrium. Previously, this space was defined by aggressive chrome profile balustrades and a cool, unwelcoming atmosphere. We stripped these away, replacing the chrome with toned milk glass and introducing softer forms.
A showcase of connection
This re-fitted atrium now draws on the best that the Italian Renaissance has to offer. It acts as the vertical spine of the building, visually connecting the floors and serving as a place for meetings and collaboration. It is no longer just a transit zone, but a destination in itself — a "showcase" of Generali’s culture that immediately signals openness to anyone entering the building.
4
The human office
To achieve a "humanistic" atmosphere, we moved away from the stark corporate palette of the previous fit-out. We introduced a harmonious selection of warm, neutral colours and natural materials. This shift was critical in turning the "plain" atrium into a vibrant space.
Soothing nature
A key element of this transformation was the introduction of greenery. We treated plants not as decoration, but as an architectural material. The presence of nature throughout the seven floors has a soothing effect on the space, breaking the rigidity of the large floorplates and creating a sense of calm that supports well-being.
Adapting to the new generation
The project spanned three years, crossing directly through the pandemic timeline. This required us to optimise the design in real-time. Guided by studies (such as McKinsey & Company) showing that younger employees (Gen Z) rely on the office for mentoring and social contacts, we prioritised spaces that build bonds.
Hybrid readiness
The new office is designed to compete with the comfort of home. We introduced high-standard ergonomic equipment, improved lighting, and a broad selection of informal meeting areas. The result is a space that actively encourages employees to work on-site by offering opportunities for connection that remote work simply cannot provide.
5
Navigating the storm
Revitalising a landmark of this scale during the pandemic outbreak required more than just a design concept; it demanded a 32-month marathon of technical precision and strategic agility. Our team served as the project’s backbone, managing full tender documentation and navigating the unprecedented disruptions of the pandemic. Even as the client’s internal structure and strategic goals shifted mid-stream, we acted as the guardians of the vision, coordinating closely with the contractor to ensure that the dream of a human-centric "Agora" was delivered faithfully despite the logistical chaos.
Scope
Research
Design
Team
Board
Bogusz Parzyszek
CEO I Founder
Dominika Zielińska
Former Managing Partner, Workplace
Design
Rafał Mikulski
Senior Architect
Barbara Majerska
Research & Strategic Design Director
Maciej Kolak
Senior Architect
Aleksandra Czarnecka
Senior Architect
Katarzyna Gajewska-Kulma
Strategy Manager & Researcher
Aleksandra Piotrowicz
Architect
Sylwia Rebelo
Architect
Weronika Pariaszewska
Architect
Ewa Jędras
Architect
Urszula Dziedzic
Senior Architect
Michał Pyka
Architect
Mariia Shapoval
Architect
Katarzyna Brzostek
Architect
Client
Generali
Generali Warsaw
Suppliers & partners
Adam Grzesik
Photos
